Owning a waterfront property comes with a great view and a lot of upkeep. One of the most important parts of that upkeep is the seawall. Here's what you need to know.
What is a seawall?
A seawall, sometimes called a breakwater or a rip-rap, is a structure built to protect shorelines from the erosive forces of waves and currents. Seawalls are usually constructed of concrete, stone, or other durable materials and can be either vertical or sloped.
Seawalls are used on inland lakes, rivers, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. They are an important tool for protecting coastal property from storm damage and erosion, but they must be properly designed and constructed to be effective.
What are the benefits of a seawall?
Seawalls can provide significant protection to coastal property from storm surges, waves, and currents. Seawalls can also help to stabilize beaches and prevent beach erosion. In some cases, seawalls can be used to create artificial reefs that provide habitat for fish and other marine life.
Without a seawall, waterfront property owners would lose land every year as it washes away.
How do you know a seawall is failing?
The most common signs of a failing seawall are:
What are seawall inspection services?
Seawall inspection services are performed by engineers or other professionals who specialize in assessing the condition of seawalls. These inspections are important to ensure that seawalls are properly maintained and functioning as intended. Seawall inspections typically involve a visual inspection of the seawall, as well as testing of the soil and other materials behind the seawall.
What are the benefits of seawall inspection services?
There are many benefits to having a seawall inspected by a professional. Seawall inspections can identify problems that could lead to seawall failures, such as cracks or deterioration. These inspections can also help to assess the overall condition of the seawall and identify any necessary repairs or improvements. Seawall inspection services can also provide valuable information about the best way to maintain and protect a seawall.
What are the consequences of a failing seawall?
If a seawall is not repaired or replaced when it starts to fail, the consequences can be serious. A failing seawall can collapse, allowing waves and water to wash away the land behind it. This can damage or destroy homes, businesses, roads, and other infrastructure. A failing seawall can also cause serious injury or death if someone is caught in the collapse.
What causes a seawall to fail?
There are many factors that can cause a seawall to fail. Poorly designed and constructed seawalls are more likely to fail than those that are well-built. Seawalls can also be damaged by storms, waves, currents, and other natural forces. In some cases, seawalls can be undermined by the erosion of the land behind them while others are simply old. A seawall inspection can identify these factors well in advance, however.
In conclusion, it is important to have seawall inspection services done regularly by a professional in order to ensure the seawall's longevity and prolong your enjoyment of the property.